NEWSLETTER

OUR MISSION: To preserve the natural and cultural heritage of El Charco del Ingenio, and maintain a botanical garden dedicated to the conservation and study of regional flora and ecosystems, with a primary focus on environmental education.

If we destroy the ecosystem, we destroy part of our own life; the people live from the forest, its trees, the fruits they give, food and medicine. We do not see the forest as a commodity, but as part of our life; this is why we do not want more looting of our lands.

Alicia Lemus, Purepecha of Cheran, Michoacan

2016: EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO BOTANICAL GARDEN: 25TH ANNIVERSARY

THE RESCUE OF THE CUCHARILLA : A BRIDGE BETWEEN COMMUNITIES

The Cucharilla plant (Dasylirion acrotriche), also known as Chimal or Sotol or Xotol,
is a native plant used to make ceremonial offerings since time immemorial by indigenous peoples of Mexico's semidesert, from Guanajuato, Queretaro and Hidalgo to regions like Tehuacan Cuicatlan in Puebla and Oaxaca. The communities of Chichimeca and Otomi origin have most valued and used this wonderful plant.

For several years, El Charco has had a history of propagation and reintroduction of the cucharilla, because of the threat to the natural populations of the plant and its reduced numbers. For this reason, the Botanical Garden was invited by the Ethno-ecology and Bio-cultural Heritage Network (CONACYT), headed by recognized scientists from the National and the Querétaro universities, to participate in a new project to rescue the cucharilla in San Miguel Toliman, Queretaro, through collaboration and training of the indigenous communities of the semi-desert in that state, with a commitment to the conservation of this species of Mexican flora.

We hope that this action, which transcends the borders of our Garden, of rescuing a plant species of enormous symbolic value in a wide region of our country, will build a bridge between communities and traditions.

THE THREAT OF INTRODUCED SPECIES

"Problems with exotic and invasive species in a region begin with something like 'I want it to live free and happy' and end up as the case of cats in Australia ...". This quote -spread through the web-- is from a team of biologists concerned about the third leading cause of species extinction worldwide.

An exotic species is an animal or plant which is introduced by man to a different region from that in which it was originated evolutionarily. With the "imported" organism, parasites or diseases are introduced, affecting wild communities. Also, the lack of natural controls allows the organism to expand without limits, being able to compete fiercely with native species. The trafficking of species, either because of the search for economic opportunities or to satisfy a particular desire, are the doors that open this Pandora's box. Subsequently, accidents, lack of responsibility or poorly informed feelings without knowledge, leads many people to free their pets or plant their garden specimens in natural habitats, not knowing that many times, instead of doing good, they are causing a problem that can become severe.

Cases in Mexico are very easy to observe such as pink grass (Melinis repens), the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), among hundreds that you can see in this section of CONABIO:
http://www.biodiversidad.gob.mx/invasoras

The Botanical Garden has approached many people who, perhaps with good intentions, have tried to free their pets in El Charco natural area, or to leave us their plants. Sometimes they have done so without consulting anyone or ignoring the instructions of staff of the Garden. Accordingly, we have recorded the appearance of plants, fish, turtles, birds and even cats, which are species completely alien and incompatible with the ecosystem which we try to preserve.

We ask the user community and visitors to El Charco to please avoid this type of action.

AUTHORITIES DENY SEVERE WATER CRISIS IN GUANAJUATO

Last March a Water Forum Action from the Company took place at the Botanical Garden of San Miguel de Allende, well attended with a diverse population, at which the crisis affecting the water element in Guanajuato and specifically in the so-called Independence Basin, which covers seven municipalities in the north of the state was discussed for two days. As a result of the Forum, dozens of civilians --organizations participants, scientists, environmentalists, farmers and citizens in general-- signed and issued the Declaration of Charco del Ingenio. This manifesto summarizes the dire water situation in the basin, emphasizing the increasing pollution of both the aquifer and the shallow channels, derived from an irrational and unsustainable extractive model. The manifesto also requires state and federal authorities to implement public policies to address the alarming crisis that threatens public good and a fundamental human right: water.

The Declaration was formally submitted in April to the competent authorities: the Director of the National Water Commission in the State, the Federal Secretary of Health, the Governor of Guanajuato, the State Water Commission, the Secretary of State Health and municipal authorities, and was disseminated through local and national media. Two months after being delivered, the Declaration of Charco del Ingenio has not received any response from officials who persist in denial and concealment of a water collapse which undeniably affects the health of the inhabitants of the Independence Basin.

How much longer must we wait before authorities decide to confront the water crisis in Guanajuato?

ADVANCES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW SCULPTURE IN EL CHARCO

As we have reported in previous issues of this Newsletter, El Charco will have as part of its attractions a panoramic sculpture designed by renowned German artist Wilhelm Holderied, whose work is characterized by a creative and dynamic dialogue with nature (http://www.wilhelm-holderied.de/index.php/index.html). The construction of the sculpture is in progress.

The sculpture is already visible in the northern reserve of the Botanical Garden, on the other side of the canyon. It is integrated into the natural landscape, in the shape of a maze, and is a celestial observatory for the main astronomical dates that govern us. "The House of Starlight" will be the name of this work interacting with the vegetation and the landscape of the reserve. A generous offer from master Holderied, supported by external promoters such as Eduardo Adame and Sergio Chazaro, who coordinate the construction; both have worked hard to obtain funds for the project. Phyllis Pitluga, astronomer emeritus of the Chicago Planetarium, also advises on this project, as well as Marco Barrera Bassols, who is a curator and renowned museographer.

It is the intent of this team and the Botanical Garden to inaugurate the monumental sculpture for the 2016 autumn equinox, as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Botanical Garden.

SUMMER EXPERIENCE IN EL CHARCO

Attention to those who plan and coordinate courses, workshops and summer camps for children and youth in San Miguel and the region:

We suggest including among your activities, one or more visits to the Botanical Garden. Using the hiking trails and accompanied by our guides, the kids can learn, appreciate and enjoy the mysteries and wonders of this Protected Natural Area.
It certainly is an amazing experience!
Organizing the visit is easy. Simply communicate : harcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP: NOVEMBER

In collaboration with the Denver Botanical Garden, El Charco offers a Botanical Illustration workshop again. The course consists of drawing lessons with accurate and useful descriptions of the plant kingdom. Students develop an understanding and appreciation of science and art, and an assessment of plants beyond botany.

It will conclude with the development of a sophisticated drawing ready to be framed or displayed, or to be included in a personal portfolio.

THE MAIN BOTANICAL GARDENS OF MEXICO

PRESENTATION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF POLLINATORS

Saturday, August 20th at 11a.m.
Boveda of the Garden, Free Entrance (in Spanish)

We invite you to learn more about the pollination process, vital for maintaining biodiversity on earth and vital for food production and the livelihood of humans. In this process, pollinators collect pollen produced by plants, transport it to the female parts of the plant and fertilize the egg, producing seeds and fruits. If this service is not realized, many species and ecosystem processes connected with each other, would cease to exist.

URBAN BIRD PROGRAM (PAU)OF SAN MIGUEL

Saturday, August 27th from 10a.m. to 1p.m.
Parque Juarez

The PAU is an activity in which everyone can participate, a CONABIO initiative, the national authority on Biodiversity.

The main objective of the PAU is to promote bird watching in urban environments to encourage citizen participation in bird monitoring activities, as an educational and recreational option and simultaneously increase knowledge about birds.

San Miguel de Allende is one of the first 8 cities in our country to implement the program, which consists of 5 subprograms directed either to the general public or to specific participants. Each month, El Charco del Ingenio will participate by organizing an activity either in the Botanical Garden or in collaboration with schools, groups of birdwatchers, hotels and city parks.

NATIONAL FAIR OF PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS

August 5,6, and 7
Parque Alvaro Obregon (La alameda), Dolores Hidalgo

OTHER AUGUST ACTIVITIES

Bird-watching Tours

Every first and third Wednesday of the month, 9 am – 11:30 am. English Cost: 100 pesos general public | 60 pesos El Charco members
Guides include Signe Hammer, Norman Besman, Luke Rich and Michael Wheatcroft.
The walks are for birders of all levels. They begin at 9:00 am and last about 2 1/2 hours. No reservations needed, and feel free to leave the walk at any time. Please bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water. Your guide will meet you after you pass through the Reception area of the Botanical Garden.

Come and bird watch with us – you’ll be surprised!!

TOURS IN SPANISH available. Saturday 10 & 24th, at 8a.m.

Info.:charcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

Guided Tours in El Charco

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am| in English
Duration: two hours Cost: $80 pesos, members $50

Visit the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, the Scented Garden and the canyon, archeological ruins and much more. We recommend you wear sunscreen, and bring a hat.

Don’t forget the free transportation from town to El Charco on these days.

THE FULL MOON CEREMONY

Thursday, August 18th / 7p.m. | admission 40pesos

We invite everyone to this open celebration that has been taking place for many years during the full moon cycle at the Four Winds Plaza in the Botanical Garden under the always surprising direction of Alicia Mayo. It’s worth arriving a little early to admire the setting of the sun and the appearance of the moon over the mountains. You may want to bring a coat for cool evenings and you may bring a musical instrument.

This sweat-lodge steam bath, of ritual and healing character, takes place under the direction of an experienced temazcal leader in the ruins of the hacienda located in the Botanical Garden on the far side of the reservoir.
The combination of heat, humidity and fragrant herbs provides a purifying experience for the body and spirit. Its benefits are multiple: it activates circulation, increases the body’s defenses, eliminates pains, decreases uric acid, relaxes the muscles, regulates the nervous system, stimulates respiration and is excellent for losing weight.

We suggest bringing a flashlight for when you go from the temazal to the reception

FREE TRANSPORTATION TO THE BOTANICAL GARDEN FROM THE HISTORICAL CENTER

COMING TO EL CHARCO BY TAXI?

Some of visitors use taxis for transportation to the Botanical Garden. However, some may have doubts about how to return to town. We remind all our visitors and users that El Charco has an agreement with radio taxis company of San Miguel for safe transfer from El Charco to the center or other parts of the city. Just ask for a taxi at the reception Garden. The fee for the return trip is 60 pesos-a little more than one-way fare to Charco from the center, which should not be more than 40 pesos. We recommend you and the driver agree on the fare before boarding the taxi.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Throughout its existence, El Charco has published several books and pamphlets in Spanish and English, on flora and natural resources of the reserve and the region of San Miguel de Allende. To these, other publications by researchers and scientific institutions on related subjects have been added. All are issues of great interest and quality, and are on sale at the Gift Shop.

Click on the book for more information about it.

At the Café

New weekend menu – Delicious !
Saturdays and Sundays
Breakfast from 9a.m. to noon
Special of the Day from noon to 4p.m.

In the Gift Shop

We have received new publications from Conabio (National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity)

WHEN YOU VISIT THE BOTANICAL GARDEN….

BRING YOUR THERMOS OR WATER BOTTLE, which can be filled for free from the wáter fountain near the reception/café.

El Charco del Ingenio is plastic bottle free zone, and, for obvious reasons, they are not sold on site since they become garbage, rarely recycled, representing an unnecesary expense for the user and a benefit for the corporations that exploit groundwater.